Quote:
Originally Posted by EricC
Does anyone have any favorite resources for learning how to cast metal jewelry? Thinking bronze or silver.
I am learning astrological magic using Renaissance period techniques. Casting my own talismans sounds like it could be fun and after reading other threads on Sowpub maybe even a profitable hobby.
Thanks,
Eric
|
Fun stuff. I liked to cast copper, way back when. Easy to melt (always hated pennies, but please don't tell Uncle Sam I defaced a few pennies, OK?)...
Copper is easily found in old appliances and wiring. Anyhow...
I love Precious Metal Clay. If you want to get serious about things, a KILN would be a good gift, even a small one.
I was fortunate one of my neighbors was a stained glass artist with a huge kiln behind her garage, some of her work went for THOUSANDS of dollars, even small pieces were several hundred. My friend Phyllis started with PMC, and there are all sorts of these available today. She used a butane torch to fire her small pieces of jewelry, although she specialized in wire jewelry.
Now about Talismans, or any touchstones. IF you want to SELL THEM, then your best bet is to offer a customized, one of a kind, just for you type of jewelry. You can add PMC or gemstones, or with Astrology, I would advise a stamped version of their chart. Something one of a kind and charge for the craftsmanship and exclusivity.
I used to love pounding on stuff, butane a penny, Ball Peen the snot out of it, and while hot, use metal STAMPS, for initials, birthdates. You can turn a penny and a nice chain into a 19.95 to 49.95 product in a matter of minutes.
Good luck with your efforts.
Gordon
PS. If you have a blacksmith in the area, go and visit, he/she might be able to shed some light on working with HOT METAL (be careful, I still carry scars on my hands from some very hot iron, amazing what a little drop will do).
Also, I had golf clubs cast at a local shop, one of them, THE WINGED WEDGE 222 was a very unique club, which I sold to a marketing company; although they changed the name. In old timey golf forged vs casting was a hot debate.